Friends rally round survivor

Danielle Files, 38, Atlanta, now sports a pink Mohawk as a symbol of defiance against breast cancer. Morris News Service/Courtesy of the American Cancer Society.

Morris News Service

Morris News Service

When Danielle Files was diagnosed with breast cancer in April, she found herself surrounded by friends and family who wanted to do everything possible to support her.

One result of that outpouring of support is the formation of a team of about 40 people who will walk in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Oct. 24 in honor of Files, 38 of Atlanta.

"One of my friends, team leader Tracie Garren, got a group together to walk to honor me," says Files, who has undergone a bilateral mastectomy and additional chemotherapy. "It's inspiring! I have an incredible network of friends from high school and newer mommy friends who are providing so much support. Most of us have known each other for over 20 years."

Having breast cancer hasn't stopped Files and her team from having some fun with their promotional materials.

Files' picture on the team's Making Strides Web sites shows her in a "warrior" pose and sporting a pink Mohawk.

The team's name is the Pink Pair-a-Troopers, which is -- as Danielle describes it -- a play on words for a pair of breasts.

The hot pink logo shows a woman in 1940s pinup style parachuting from a bra.

The team is also putting together a pinup calendar, featuring photos of Files and other members of the team, which will be sold as a fundraiser (www.tobegifts.com/calendar). The photos will also be featured at the Seen Gallery in Decatur, Ga., for two weeks in October during the Atlanta Celebrates Photography festival.